Small Charity Makes Big Impact with Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Strategic Insights -

Guernsey Disability Swimming, a local charity, has been reminded that no organisation is too small to make a difference after its experience with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Established five years prior to receiving the award in 2020, the organisation provides people with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to swim in a safe environment. Chairman Adrian Sarchet reflects on the charity's journey, stating that they thought they were too small to receive the award, but its recognition has given the public confidence in the charity's work.

Key Takeaways:

  • Guernsey Disability Swimming was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2020, five years after its establishment, in recognition of its outstanding work in the community.
  • The charity provides opportunities for people with physical and mental disabilities to swim in a safe environment, with nearly a dozen volunteers assisting up to 35 swimmers for an hour every Thursday evening.
  • The charity has empowered individuals through swimming, enabling them to participate in events such as the Castle Swim and swimming from Rousse to Amarreurs.
  • Guernsey Disability Swimming has funded adaptations to the accessibility of swimming facilities around the island, including the installation of poolside wheelchairs, self-propelled wheelchairs, and the 'pool pod' which operates as a lift into and out of the pool.
  • The charity is currently funding the refurbishment of Beau Sejour's disabled changing rooms.
  • Chairman Adrian Sarchet emphasizes that the KAVS process is worth going through regardless of the outcome, as it provides significant learning opportunities about the charity.

Statistics:

  • 5 years: The length of time Guernsey Disability Swimming was established before receiving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
  • 12: The number of volunteers assisting up to 35 swimmers for an hour every Thursday evening.
  • 35: The number of swimmers assisted by the volunteers every Thursday evening.
  • 1 hour: The duration of the swimming session every Thursday evening.
  • 2020: The year Guernsey Disability Swimming received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
  • £: Not specified, but the charity has funded adaptations to the accessibility of swimming facilities around the island.

Sources:

  • Guernsey Disability Swimming, as quoted in the article, "We didn't expect to get it, we thought we were too small."
  • Caption of the presentation of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Guernsey Disability Swimming by Lt Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder in 2020.